The PA chief's adviser for Christian affairs, Ziyyad Bandak, has also said the visit by the Pope is seen as the Vatican's support for Palestinians.

The upcoming visit by the Pope comes days before the Vatican called on Israel to prevent hate crimes committed by illegal Israeli settlers in East al-Quds (Jerusalem).

Earlier this month, the Vatican said that graffiti reading “Death to Arabs and Christians and those who hate Israel” was daubed over Vatican-owned offices belonging to the Assembly of Bishops at the Notre Dame center.

It also announced it was planning to prepare a series of measures to inform the public opinion on the present situation in East al-Quds (Jerusalem).